Why is taurine important for cats?

Taurine is an amino acid which should be made regular in your cat’s diet as they cannot synthesize it like humans and certain breeds of dogs. It is very important for the functioning of your pet’s heart, platelets and retina. Taurine helps in electrolyte balance and is utilized for better functioning of your cat’s liver, gallbladder, central nervous system, skeletal muscles and bones.

Taurine deficiency may lead to:

• Blindness
• Heart diseases
• Infertility
• Impaired fetal development
• Tooth decay
• Fur loss
• Abnormal skeletal growth

These following foods are rich in Taurine:

• Fishes like salmon and sardines are good sources of taurine. Shrimps, scallops and clams are also excellent sources of taurine.
• Meat
• Eggs
• Dairy products

Feeding your pet food that is rich in taurine helps them to maintain their health. Apart from home cooked diet you can also give them taurine supplements that are now easily available in the market. It is always a good idea to consult with your vet and take their advice on supplements.

Happy parenting!